Pain Worse with Arching Back

Are You This Type?

You may be the "extension-sensitive" type if you recognize these patterns:

• Standing for a long time makes your back hurt
• Walking brings on numbness or pain in your legs, but resting gives relief
• Bending backward makes the pain worse
• Reaching overhead (hanging laundry, reaching a high shelf) is uncomfortable
• Leaning forward feels better — for example, pushing a shopping cart
• Sitting is comfortable, but standing up brings the pain back

This kind of pain often involves the facet joints (the small joints at the back of the spine) or narrowing of the spinal canal (the passageway that protects the nerves). Bending backward narrows this passageway further, while bending forward opens it up.

If you experience leg numbness when walking that improves with rest, you may have spinal stenosis. Learn more at What Is Spinal Stenosis?